First sergeant opportunities available now

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February 12, 2016

Have you ever had in an interest in being a first sergeant? Now is your opportunity! There are seven vacancies across the 452nd Air Mobility Wing. Being a first sergeant is a unique opportunity to serve and make an impact in people’s lives.

“Our mission is the welfare of the people. When you take care of the people, the mission gets taken care of,” said Master Sgt. Cindy Spurgeon, first sergeant, 452nd Maintenance Group.

Basic requirements for the position include holding the rank of Tech. Sgt. or Master Sgt., a fitness score of 80 or more for the last two tests, and having earned a Community College of the Air Force degree.

Packages for the April 20 hiring board are due in March to Senior Master Sgt. Octavio Ortiz, first sergeant, 452nd Operations Support Squadron.

While being a First Sergeant can be challenging with many responsibilities and long hours, it can be one of the most rewarding jobs.

“I love it,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Hunter, first sergeant, 452nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “There are some rough days, but those could turn into one of your best days that you will talk about for years.”

For more information or if you are interested in the program, contact Ortiz at 951-655-5179.

Happy Valentine’s wishes, Team March

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February 12, 2016

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Staff Sgt. David Skannal – David, this will be our first Valentine’s Day together and I know we will have an awesome day celebrating our love for one another as a newly engaged couple. I feel truly blessed for the close relationship we have built, filled with love, respect, and trust. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you! Happy Valentine’s Day Love! – Your Fiancé, Araceli

Valentines Wish to CPL Anderson of MCAS Miramar – Happy Valentine’s day from half a world away – you still melt my heart. Come home safely please! – Tech. Sgt. Bridgette Gurley

Happy Valentine’s Day, Tech. Sgt. Morgan L. Gomez! Here’s to our first Valentine’s Day, married. I love you more than Crossfit loves making us sore. You are my Moony. Te amo mucho. – Senior Master Sgt. Frank Gomez

Happy Valentine’s Day to my wife and daughter, Lauren and Haylee. – From Senior Master Sgt. J. Knox

I would like to wish my husband, Matthew Rossman, a very Happy Valentine’s Day. Thank you for being my best friend, rock and biggest fan. I love you! – Crystal S. Rossman

Happy Valentine’s Day, Sara. We’ll be married for 9 years this year and expect many more by your side. Awesome wife, mother and best friend. I love you. – Gilbert Castillo

Jenn, Jenna and Lily, Thank you for making my life absolutely amazing! Love, – Me

Friends and family, I wish you a blessed Valentine’s Day, and I pray that you feel loved. – lew

To the two loves of my life, Stacia and Ryleigh Guillen, wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, – Dad

To all the members of 452MXS, especially Chief Master Sgt. Keithley, Staff Sgt. Quinones and Araceli, who work so hard for our squadron! Happy Hearts Day! From your First Sergeant! – Senior Master Sgt. Lali Gomez

To my beautiful wife, Tammy, with whom I have spent 16 wonderful years, Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope to spend more magical years with my best friend. I love you honey! – Your Loving Husband

News Briefs 02/05/2016

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February 5, 2016

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AIR SHOW VOLUNTEERS, PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS, VENDORS

If you would like to sign up as a volunteer to assist in booths at the Air Show, please email your request to marbairfest.volunteer@gmail.com. You must have a DOD-issued ID card with base access to volunteer. The amount of volunteers needed is not known at this time. Volunteers will be notified once the concessionaire contract has been awarded.

March Private Orgs: If you would like to sign up for a booth to sell specific unit items, email your request to marbairfest.po@gmail.com.

Vendors: All vendor requests must be emailed to 452amwpa.workflow@us.af.mil.

ENLISTED DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION BOARD

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials will release the Invitation to Apply and open the application cycle for the annual Enlisted Developmental Education Board Friday, Feb. 5. The EDEB will convene May 16 at HQ ARPC. All applications are due to ARPC no later than April 15, 4:30 p.m. MT. Call the Total Force Service Center at DSN 665-0102 or 210-565-0102 for questions or further information.

MARCH FIELD AIRFEST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for AirFest updates. On Facebook, find us at March Field AirFest: Thunder Over the Empire, on Twitter we are @MarchAirFest, and on Instagram we are @MarchFieldAirFest. Join the conversations!!

INCLUDE THE 1095B/1095C WHEN YOU FILE YOUR TAXES

Here is some need-to-know information about the DFAS-issued 1095-B and 1095-C, documents required when you file your taxes. The 1095-B is for reservists who are not activated. The 1095-C is for federal civil service employees and activated reservists. Air Reserve Technicians would use both because of their split Reserve/civil service duty. According to DFAS, dependents do not show up on the DFAS-issued 1095-B or 1095-C. Your dependent information will show up on the 1095-B, issued by your medical insurance carrier. According to information received by H&R Block from the IRS, 1095-Cs will not be issued until late March 2016, and tax returns can be filed without the 1095-Cs. For further details or to correct information on either the 1095-B or 1095-C, contact the following: civilians call 703-882-5197; Reservists call 800-642-1386.

DESERVING AIRMAN COMMISSIONING BOARD TO CONVENE

Great News! If you are interested in becoming an Air Force Reserve officer at Team March, the next Deserving Airman Commissioning Board will convene on May 21-22, 2016. If you are interested, and meet the qualifications located on the wing INFO drive – X:\MarchBaseInfo, in the DACB pamphlet, please have your completed commissioning packages submitted to the 452 FSS/FSMPD (Career Development) office not later than close of business, Monday, May 2, 2016. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call career development at 951-655-3113.

FY16 UTA RESCHEDULE GUIDELINES

Brig. Gen. Muncy has determined that the following FY 16 Unit Training Assemblies may only be rescheduled if the reschedule date is for the alternate UTA during the same month of the A and B UTAs for the months of February, May and August 2016. The wing commander will authorize reschedules outside of the same month, if absolutely necessary, on a case-by-case basis. Note that the commander will be more liberal during the month of February due to the Super Bowl.

COMMAND POST NEEDS AIRMEN

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing Command Post is in need of new Airmen. They have several full-time Air Reserve Technician positions and several Traditional Reserve positions available.

Command Post brief job description: The base command post is the central control point for base mission operations and often is in direct communication with the wing commander. Command Post personnel are key facilitators in ensuring optimal Command and Control (C2) operations and communications. Specific tasks depend on the mission and aircraft assigned to that base, which could range from cargo transport to space systems and nuclear operations. If interested please contact Senior Master Sgt. Frank Gomez at frank.gomez.2@us.af.mil.

SEEKING VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICES SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS

The March Field Emergency Management Working Group is looking for volunteers who are interested in being part of the Emergency Services Support Team (ESST). Following a disaster, these volunteers are crucial to successfully recovering our base and assisting members who need help. Your efforts can make a big difference. If you have questions or want to become an integral part of the March ESST, contact Emergency Management at 951-655-3024.

ARE YOU A FOODIE?

The Beacon is looking for individuals who would be interested in writing a “foodie” column (food review) on a once-a-month or less basis, and as a volunteer. The goal is to have the individuals select an item from the new Back Street Grill menu and write a review about it. The menu items would be rotated so each one gets its moment in the spotlight. The more volunteers we have, the better! If you are interested in contributing, please email the Beacon editor at 452amw.paworkflow@us.af.mil or call 951-655-2862.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

If you’re interested in volunteering at any of the schools listed below, please contact Megan Crusher at megan.crusher.1@us.af.mil. All Team March members are welcome to volunteer. Basic details are below and additional information will be given closer to the date of the event.

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Wednesday, February 10

Start time: 7:45 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: El Cerrito Middle School

Address: 7610 El Cerrito Road; Corona, CA 92881

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education.

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Thursday, February 18

Start time: 8:15 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Corona Fundamental Intermediate School (CFIS)

Address: 1230 South Main Street; Corona, CA 92882

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education.

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Friday, February 26

Start time: 7:45 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Norco Intermediate School

Address: 2711 Temescal Avenue; Norco, CA 92860

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education.

EDUCATION & TRAINING OFFICE TO PROVIDE MASS BRIEFINGS

Beginning in December, during the Unit Training Assemblies, the March Education and Training office will conduct ongoing, mass briefings for any Tuition Assistance, GI Bill and Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) inquiries. Their schedule is as follows:

CCAF briefing:

UTA Sundays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

Tuition Assistance briefing:

UTA Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

GI Bill briefing:

UTA Sundays from 2 to 22:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

In-processing (technical school):

Monday – Friday from 2 – 3 p.m. in Bldg. 441, main office

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Brown at 951-655-4442.

SARC HOSTS FREE MIND BODY RESILIENCY CLASSES

Are you interested in learning more about the Mind and Body connection and how this can promote better overall health? Then come join the interactive and informational series of one-hour classes based on the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine’s Resilient Warrior. Classes are scheduled on the A and B Unit Training Assemblies through September 2016. Topics for the six-part series include

– Stress Reactions and Relaxation Response

– Getting Good Sleep

– Mindfulness and a Positive State of Mind

– Yin and Yang of Resiliency

– Yoga & Journaling

– Social Connections & Communication

Time and Location:

UTA Sundays, 11 a.m. – noon

Bldg. 470, room 205

Contact frank.pavone@us.af.mil or 655-4551 for more information. No reservation required.

REGISTER FOR YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS

Upcoming dates for Yellow Ribbon events are Feb 19-21; and Mar 18-20. The December, January and February Yellow Ribbon events are now open for registration for eligible members. For more formation, contact 1st Lt. Shelley Lawrence, your 452nd Air Mobility Wing Yellow Ribbon representative, for details at 951-655-4615.

GRILL NIGHT AT SALLY’S ALLEY

Every Wednesday night starting at 4 p.m., Sally’s Alley is open for business with Grill Night. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.

FITNESS CENTER NEWS

The March Fitness Center has received the Wellbeats Virtual Group Fitness Kiosk. This kiosk allows members to participate in virtual fitness classes.

Daily WellBeats Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 10:30 a.m. – REV (spin); 12:15 p.m. – Yoga (closed Jan. 18)

Tuesdays: 12:15 p.m. – Fit for Duty; 4:00 p.m. – REV

Wednesdays: 6 a.m. – Yoga/Pilates; 11 a.m. – V.I.B.E./Toning; 12:15 p.m. – REV

Thursdays: 11 a.m. – REV; 12:45 p.m. – Fit for Duty

Fridays: 11 a.m. – Core (Jan. 15/29); 11:15 a.m. Pilates (Jan 8/22)

Wellbeats offers many more classes available at the members’ request.

FIP (Fitness Improvement classes) available through our Wellbeats Kiosk.

Additional opportunities for fitness:

Tuesday, 11 a.m. and Thursday, 12:15 p.m. – Battle ropes training

Monday, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – TRX

A & B UTA Saturdays, 7 a.m. – Wellbeats Fit for Duty

A & B UTA Sundays, 7 a.m. – Wellbeats REV

A UTA Saturdays, 5 p.m. – Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty”

B UTA, 5 – 7 p.m. – Pick-up basketball

Feb 10 – Intramural Volleyball begins. Letter of Intent due in Fitness Center NLT Jan. 21

Feb 11 – 12 p.m. – Functional Fitness class

Feb 25 – 12 p.m. – Functional Fitness class

Coming in 2016: Inter-Services Golf Tournament, Team Cohesion Challenge, Armed Forces 5K Run.

Call the Fitness & Sports center at 951-655-2292 to sign up or for more information on these programs.

Class descriptions:

Circuit Training – a high intensity interval training class that integrated cardio and muscular endurance exercises

Core – various classes from our WellBeats system that focus entirely on working out your core

Fit for Duty – a high-energy, extreme, conditioning workout led by service members with expertise in fitness training

Functional Fitness – A type of high-intensity interval training combining cardio and weight training into one short but intense class with mobility drills, mountain climbers, lunges, push-up, kettlebells, goblet squats duck walk, run.

Fusion – an integration of yoga and Pilates exercises with attention to breath, form, flow and body balance.

Kinetics – a total body, multi-activity class that includes sports-style cardio intervals with resistance training circuits and muscle isolation work

REV – an indoor cycling class that combines sprints, climbs, intervals, drills, terrain, and technique training

Stomp – a total body, cardio-driven step class as it was originally meant to be taught

TKO – a blend of martial arts disciplines that includes a combination of punches, kicks, and strikes

TRX – introductory class that teaches basic exercises to strengthen core and transition into more advanced techniques on the TRX suspension system

V.I.B.E. – multi-dimensional dance exercises ranging from Latin to urban, hip-hop and more

Zumba/Zumbathon – well-known dancing class featuring exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats (Zumbathon is a two-hour Zumba class in which participants can win prizes.)

OUTDOOR REC EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Outdoor Recreation has a variety of equipment for rent such as camping gear, water sports equipment, bicycles, and trailers to carry it all! Special orders for Callaway, Odyssey, Cleveland, Never Compromise, Nike, Bag Boy, Sun Mountain and Staff golf equipment are also available. Download the full equipment rental price list at MarchFSS.com, call 951-655-2816 or come on by for more information.

MARCH TICKETS & TOURS

Amusement Park Specials

Castle Park: $16 per person includes unlimited rides, water park access, miniature golf and the new Sky Rider.

Disney 3-Day Park Hopper military special: $140 per person (adult/child)

Discount Movie Tickets

Available for only $10 each and valid for Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Cinemas.

Hotel Discounts

Receive 10% off any Best Western and 15% off any Choice Hotel

Visit the Tickets & Tours page at MarchFSS.com and download the Discount Ticket Price List for a full list of discounts tickets prices, hotel discounts and special promotions. Call Tickets & Tours at 951-655-4123 for more information.

Team March 101: The Air and Marine Operations Center or “AMOC”

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February 5, 2016

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Located right here at March Field is The Air and Marine Operations Center or AMOC, a facility within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO). It is an international, multi-domain federal law enforcement center. Established in 1988 at March Air Reserve Base, the facility is a state-of-the-art law enforcement operations and domain awareness center that focuses on suspicious general aviation and non-commercial maritime activities in the Western Hemisphere.

The AMOC monitors air and marine movements within and around the United States. They conduct air and marine surveillance operations, providing direct coordination to AMO; CBP law enforcement officers performing interdiction missions; and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies conducting criminal investigations. The AMOC also coordinates operations with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and the governments of Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas.

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the national demand for the AMOC’s unique abilities increased. In response, the AMOC expanded by advancing its capabilities and increasing its partnerships. The AMOC applies sophisticated technology to detect, identify, track, and direct the interdiction of suspect aviation and maritime threats. The center integrates data from more than 430 domestic and international radars and sensors coupled with extensive law enforcement and intelligence databases and communications networks to coordinate a law enforcement response to suspect aviation and maritime activities throughout the United States. Its command and control system provides a single display that is capable of tracking more than 85,000 individual targets and they provide feeds from their system to more than 140 government partner across the country.

The AMOC hosts up to 2,500 personnel annually from throughout the Department of Homeland Security, other federal agencies and international partners with complementary and interdependent missions. The AMOC has two auxiliary facilities; the Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center, which focuses on suspect aircraft and vessels in the Caribbean area of responsibility; and the Capital Regional Unit, which supports air security and defense operations in the National Capital Region of Washington, D.C.

“General Muncy and the 452nd AMW are terrific partners,” said AMOC Executive Director, Tony Crowder. “AMOC enjoys unparalleled support from ‘Team March.’ Congress has chosen to expand AMOC, in part, due to the amenities present on March Air Reserve Base,” Crowder said. “A larger facility, and more personnel in the near future, are part of the payoff from the ‘One Team’ approach.”

Who are your chaplains, chaplain assistants?

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February 5, 2016

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(Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman Krista Hair (Released)

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s chapel team is here to serve you. The chaplains and chaplain assistants assigned to the wing staff are made up of a great group of men and women from various backgrounds and traditions. The common denominator is that they are here to serve you, right where you are. They serve as a Religious Support Team (RST). When you see members of our chapel team out and about the base it is very intentional that both a chaplain and chaplain assistant are readily available to you. In providing for the spiritual support, moral guidance, counseling, religious rites and general morale the hope is that you know your RST. Whether it’s at a commander’s call or in line at the chow hall, at one of the worship services on drill weekends or running on the track, your RST is here to support you.

But do you know your chaplains and chaplain assistants? I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce these Airmen to you. The A-UTA chapel team includes me, Chaplain (Capt.) Tim Jacobs, Senior Master Sgt. Rita Houchin, Staff Sgts. Daniel Stephens and Sarah Bruen. Get to know us. Let us get to know you!

Chaplain (Col.) Rick Givens

I joined the U.S. Air Force Air Force Reserve (USAFR) in 1986 as a chaplain candidate. I served as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) chaplain from 1986 to 1997. Following a three-year break-in-service, for civilian ministry, I returned to the Reserve in 2000 and served as an IMA at the Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California, for a year before joining the traditional Reserve world at March Air Reserve Base in 2001. From 2001 to 2014, I served on the chapel team here. I deployed in 2009 to Al U’deid Air Base, Qatar. From June 2014 to September 2015 I served as the IMA to the Air Force Space Command chaplain, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. In October 2015 I returned to March ARB as the wing chaplain. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Music and Biblical studies 1983 from Azusa Pacific University (APU), a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1988 and a Master of Arts in Business from APU in 2003. Since 1990 I have worked full-time at APU on staff and as an adjunct faculty member. I enjoy gardening, camping and spending time with my family.

Chaplain (Capt.) Tim Jacobs

Chaplain Jacobs joined the USAFR in 2013. He serves as lead pastor at his home church. A native of Chatsworth, California, Jacobs received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pepperdine University in 1996, his Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology in 2002, and his Doctor of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2011. Jacobs is a fitness guru, so watch for him on the track or at the gym on any UTA weekend.

Senior Master Sgt. Rita Houchin

Senior Master Sgt. Houchin grew up as a “military brat.” Her parents were both medics in the Air Force. At 18, she joined the Marine Corps and worked as an auto mechanic. After a 16-year break-in-service, she joined the USAFR in 2002 as a chaplain assistant. Houchin was activated for a year in 2005 serving at Travis AFB, California, and served two deployments to Iraq in 2007 and 2010. Houchin just completed her 29th year with the U. S. Post Office, with a recent promotion to the Statistical Programs supervisor.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Stephens

Staff Sgt. Stephens joined the USAFR in 2005 assigned to the 452nd Security Forces Squadron. He deployed with them to Kirkuk, Iraq and to Aviano Air Base, Italy. In 2010, he transferred to the then 163rd Reconnaissance Wing, California Air National Guard, and joined their chapel team. You may have seen him on the March Field Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard team, where he served for five years. He recently transferred back to the USAFR and is the 452 AMW’s newest chaplain assistant. When out of uniform, Stephens enjoys coaching little league baseball, church activities, cooking, barbecuing and family time.

Staff Sgt. Sarah Bruen

Staff Sgt. Bruen joined the U. S. Air Force in 2006 as a 2W1 weapons apprentice, an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialty. She cross-trained to the chaplain assistant career field, entering the USAFR in 2011 and joined the 452 AMW chapel team. Bruen grew up in Rochester, NY and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2006. As a civilian, she has worked as a hotel concierge. Bruen is currently working in a backfill assignment for the USAF.

Chaplain (Capt.) Tim Jacobs

Senior Master Sgt. Rita Houchin

SSgt Daniel Stephens

Staff Sgt. Sarah Bruen

As military integrates combat jobs, a new push to position women as leaders

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February 5, 2016

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Women in the U.S. military will step into a host of new combat and command roles in coming months. Outside advocates want them to be leaders in the veteran’s community, too.

Next week, officials from the Service Women’s Action Network will host a Washington, D.C., forum on integration of combat jobs and connected cultural changes.

The event is expected to bring together several dozen thought leaders and would-be leaders to discuss the problematic issues of discrimination, bias and unfair expectations, but also the opportunities and resources available to women in the services.

It’s the latest event in SWAN’s Leadership Institute program, an ongoing effort to “provide the knowledge and tools (military women) need to reach their personal and professional goals and to increase their participation at the top levels of local and national organizations.”

Judy Patterson, CEO of the group, said the program is designed to fill a void among military women, many who still struggle to define their roles as veterans despite their service in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“What we hear from our members is that they still don’t feel like they have a community where they belong,” she said. “They don’t really know where to turn.

“We’re hoping that because we’re by women, for women, they’ll be more willing to look at what we’re providing.”

Multiple veterans groups have made women’s issues a major focus in recent years, pushing for expanded medical services within the Department of Veterans Affairs and targeted resources to ease their reintegration to civilian society.

Patterson praised that work, but said it hasn’t necessarily translated into more female leaders in the veteran’s community.

And Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s decision last month to open all combat jobs to women by late spring has put more attention — and pressure — on those female veterans.

The Leadership Institute has been holding weeklong sessions with women veterans on health care resources, post-deployment reintegration and advocacy training in an effort to find individuals to step into those roles.

In coming months, the program will mix in one-day sessions on policy development, sexual assault response, community engagement and nonprofit management.

“We see this as the decade of service women,” Patterson said. “So many of them still don’t self-identify as veterans, feel a lack of respect and support. So part of this is a public education and a public awareness campaign.”

More information about the program is available on SWAN’s website at www.servicewomen.org.

How VA Health Care outdoes private sector

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February 5, 2016

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Because the nation’s media has been focused almost exclusively on the problems of America’s largest, and only publicly funded, fully integrated healthcare system – the Veterans Health Administration — we barely hear anything about the successes of VHA healthcare. Pioneering treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (from which anywhere from 18-30% of veterans suffer) is one of the most significant of those successes. Recent studies have documented that the VHA’s mobile phone app PTSD coach is highly valued by veterans and that the VHA performs better on the delivery of medication treatment for mental health needs than the private sector.

Many innovations in health care are being pioneered at the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) at Fort Miley, where I have spent over a year observing caregivers and their patients for my forthcoming book on the VHA. One of the research projects I will be writing about explores the impact of killing on veterans who have been in combat and how it influences their response to PTSD treatment. The project ‘s lead investigator is clinical psychologist Shira Maguen — Mental Health Director of the OEF/OIF Integrated Care Clinic and Staff Psychologist on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team (PCT).

Maguen began her research when she worked as an intern and then a post-doctoral fellow at the VHA’s National Center for PTSD at the Boston VA Medical Center. She was impressed by the fact that a number of her patients who had undergone treatment weren’t doing as well as she had hoped. The usual focus of PTSD therapy was on the deprivation or threats the patient had experienced, on what had been done to him. Was this approach missing something, Maguen wanted to know?

Maguen and a team of other mental health clinicians held focus groups with veterans from many different eras. “Many of the people we talked with were suffering tremendously not just because of what was done to them but because of what they did in war.”

Veterans who had been in therapy for years, told researchers they had never talked about these things and felt terrible guilt, shame and contamination because of these experiences. “They felt they didn’t deserve a family or to have children or to have successful relationships or even be successful in life,” said Maguen.

Members of the military were experiencing what is now called moral injury, which happens when people violate moral rules or beliefs. “In war,” Maguen elaborates, “people have to make quick decisions.” When those wars occur in urban environments like Iraq, this may mean killing a child or civilian who someone thinks may be carrying a gun or who gets caught in cross fire or explosions.

Maguen and her colleagues began to measure the impact of killing in three different eras – Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Iraq – and consistently found that killing was associated with PTSD and significant emotional problems that often made it hard for people to function in civilian life. At the SFVAMC the research team held seven focus groups with 26 veterans. They used the information and insights they gained to construct a specific measure, called the Killing Cognition Scale (KCS). The KCS captures the various ways that veterans may think about or perceive their past actions. In particular, the KCS tracks the guilt or shame they may experience, as well as their ability to forgive themselves, or ask for forgiveness from others.

“The KCS helps us get a sense of where are veterans most stuck. Is their problem guilt? Is it shame, or a sense of having been contaminated by their experience? If we understand the distinctions we can better craft treatments.” Guilt, Maguen explains, may lead people to reach out to others to make amends, while shame has been linked with reckless risk-taking, social withdrawal, and even decreased empathy for others.

Maguen and her team developed a special treatment, that can supplement others, to deal with killing and moral injury. In a randomized control trial jointly funded by the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and the VHA, one group of veterans, some of whom were already in PTSD treatment, began by filling out the Killing Cognition Scale so therapists could gain a nuanced understanding of their symptoms. This was followed by individual therapy sessions, after which a process of amends is implemented where patient and therapist create a forgiveness and an amends plan for the future, thus assuring that the therapeutic experience is not only present but sustainable over the long term.

After this trial, Maguen and her colleagues found that those who participated in the treatment had reduced mental health and PTSD symptoms. Depression, and anxiety symptoms were reduced. Veterans were also able to be more intimate with a partner, ruminated less on bad experiences, and engaged in more community events. As they forgave themselves, they were able to be more compassionate and accepting of others.

The researchers are publishing a paper on this innovative therapy and hope to roll it out at multiple VHA facilities across the country.

In the debate about VHA privatization, which is now taking place in Congress and through a Congressionally mandated Commission on Care which is considering the future of the system, there has been a great deal of discussion of shifting more mental health services to the private sector. One must ask whether the kind of research Maguen and others are doing would be possible if veterans were seen by private sector professionals who only had a scattering of former service members in their practices and little experience with the nuances of military related PTSD? Or is this kind of work dependent on the VHA’s large, national community of clinicians and researchers who deliver healthcare to a very particular population of patients? When I asked Maguen these questions, she told me that, “This work would not be possible in the private sector because the majority of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, psychiatric NPs, whomever, would probably not specialize in a veteran population. Even those who treat PTSD might have some veterans scattered among his or her patients. This would not provide the kind of volume that leads to the kind of questioning that goes on in an institution where everyone treated is a veteran and has shared a certain set or at least subset of experiences.”

Hopefully, Congress will heed this kind of logic as it considers the fate of the VHA

Find the complete story at www.beyondchron.org/31264-2.

Line of Duty (LOD) determinations info and FAQs

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February 5, 2016

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This “Medical Brief” column will run bi-monthly to discuss the most current information on topics and issues from the 452nd Aerospace Medical Squadron (AMDS), also known as the clinic. In an attempt to provide this information to the widest audience, each article will run twice during the month.

Line of Duty determinations (LODs) – Any member who sustains an injury or illness while on military duty status will have his or her case evaluated at the 452 AMDS to determine eligibility for entitlements and benefits authorized by the Air Force. The 452 AMDS’s portion of the LOD process begins only after the member has received medical care at a treatment facility for the injury or illness.

The member who sustained the injury or illness is solely responsible for contacting his or her supervisor, commander, and the 452 AMDS as soon as physically able. All events must be reported within 24 hours after seeing a medical provider. Failure to report such injuries may negatively affect the claim.

The 452 AMDS staff will assist and guide the member in gathering medical information from the treating physician or from the member’s civilian physician, and will document accordingly on the member’s military medical record for processing. The LOD will be accomplished on the AF Form 348 which will be forwarded for further processing as necessary.

LOD frequently asked questions

What is an LOD?

Line of Duty (LOD) determination is an administrative tool for determining a member’s duty status at the time of injury, illness, disability, or death. Eligibility to determine entitlements and benefits authorized by the Air Force will be determined by LOD determination. The LOD determination is based on the onset of the condition and not the existence of symptoms.

When is an LOD determination required?

The LOD process will be initiated when a member, regardless of medical disposition (emergency room, urgent care or non-urgent care; hospital admission), sustains an injury or contracts an illness or disease that results in any of the following:

• Inability to perform military duties for more than 24 hours

• Likelihood of permanent disability

• Death

• Medical treatment, regardless of the member’s ability to perform military duties

• Likelihood that member will apply for incapacitation pay

What are my responsibilities if I will require a LOD determination?

SEEK TREATMENT FIRST! When a member sustains an injury or contracts an illness while in a military duty status, he or she needs to seek medical treatment at a treatment facility before anything else. In the event of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency care, contact the immediate supervisor, unit commander, and 452 AMDS. A member involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) will need to obtain a copy of the police report and submit it to 452 AMDS.

Will the Air Force cover all medical expenses related to my injury or illness?

All emergency or urgent medical care, regardless of type of treatment facility where care was provided, are covered. All follow-up appointments, visits, or prescriptions, must be coordinated with the AMDS LOD manager PRIOR TO obtaining further, TRICARE-covered care.

How soon after an injury or illness should I begin the process for an LOD determination?

All injuries or illness sustained while on military status must be reported within 24 hours after seeing a medical provider for treatment. For non-emergency care, members must report a condition incurred or aggravated while on military duty status within 180 days after release from active duty (AD) or inactive duty for training (IDT), and provide relevant supporting documentation within five working days.

What are the possible findings for an LOD determination?

Currently, there are three possible findings:

• In Line of Duty: presumed unless disease, death, illness, or injury occurred while member was absent without authority (AWOA) or as a result of member’s misconduct

• Not In Line of Duty, Due to Own Misconduct: formal investigation determined that the member’s illness, injury, disease, or death was proximately caused by the member’s own misconduct (regardless of whether member was absent without authority)

• Not In Line of Duty, Not Due to Own Misconduct: formal investigation determined that the member’s illness, injury, disease, or death occurred while the member was absent from duty

Are LOD determinations final?

Members may initiate a “one-time” appeal within 30 days of being notified of the LOD determination.

Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories

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Aerotech News

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February 5, 2016

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PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In observance of African American/Black History Month, celebrated each year during the month of February, the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) proudly announces the availability of original artwork, the Black History Month observance poster.

The theme for this month’s observance is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.”

“The story of African Americans unfolds across the United States, beginning before the arrival of the Mayflower and continuing to the present. One cannot tell the story of America without preserving and reflecting on the places and points in history where African Americans have made an impact in adjusting our societal ‘moral compass,’” said Ms. Dawn Smith, the DEOMI project officer for monthly observance products. “The poster was designed to reflect a few of the people and places that through time have become Hallowed Ground.”

News Briefs 01/29/2016

By

Aerotech News

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January 29, 2016

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MARCH FIELD AIRFEST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for AirFest updates. On Facebook, find us at March Field AirFest: Thunder Over the Empire, on Twitter we are @MarchAirFest, and on Instagram we are @MarchFieldAirFest. Join the conversations!!

INCLUDE THE 1095B/1095C WHEN YOU FILE YOUR TAXES

Here is some need-to-know information about the DFAS-issued 1095-B and 1095-C, documents required when you file your taxes. The 1095-B is for reservists who are not activated. The 1095-C is for federal civil service employees and activated reservists. Air Reserve Technicians would use both because of their split Reserve/civil service duty. According to DFAS, dependents do not show up on the DFAS-issued 1095-B or 1095-C. Your dependent information will show up on the 1095-B, issued by your medical insurance carrier. According to information received by H&R Block from the IRS, 1095-Cs will not be issued until late March 2016, and tax returns can be filed without the 1095-Cs. For further details or to correct information on either the 1095-B or 1095-C, contact the following: civilians call 703-882-5197; Reservists call 800-642-1386.

DESERVING AIRMAN COMMISSIONING BOARD TO CONVENE

Great News! If you are interested in becoming an Air Force Reserve officer at Team March, the next Deserving Airman Commissioning Board will convene on May 21-22, 2016. If you are interested, and meet the qualifications located on the wing INFO drive – X:\MarchBaseInfo, in the DACB pamphlet, please have your completed commissioning packages submitted to the 452 FSS/FSMPD (Career Development) office not later than close of business, Monday, May 2, 2016. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call career development at 951-655-3113.

COMMAND POST NEEDS AIRMEN

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing Command Post is in need of new Airmen. They have several full-time Air Reserve Technician positions and several Traditional Reserve positions available.

Command Post brief job description: The base command post is the central control point for base mission operations and often is in direct communication with the wing commander. Command Post personnel are key facilitators in ensuring optimal Command and Control (C2) operations and communications. Specific tasks depend on the mission and aircraft assigned to that base, which could range from cargo transport to space systems and nuclear operations. If interested please contact Senior Master Sgt. Frank Gomez at frank.gomez.2@us.af.mil.

KEY SUPPORTER BRIEFING FEB. 6

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing is offering the First Key Supporter Briefing on Feb. 6, 2016, from 9-11 a.m. in the 452nd Operations Group main training room, Bldg. 2240. This briefing is to inform spouses, significant others, and parents of Airmen about the resources available pre-deployment, during deployment, and reintegration post deployment. The presenters are Elaine Valentine, director of psychological health; Col. Richard Givens, wing chaplain; Sara Templeton, Our Military Kids liaison; 2nd Lt. Shelley Lawrence, March Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program coordinator; and Military OneSource representative. To R.S.V.P. or if you have questions, contact Analiza Sell, Key Spouse mentor 452 AMW at sellproductions@msn.com.

SEEKING VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICES SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS

The March Field Emergency Management Working Group is looking for volunteers who are interested in being part of the Emergency Services Support Team (ESST). Following a disaster, these volunteers are crucial to successfully recovering our base and assisting members who need help. Your efforts can make a big difference. If you have questions or want to become an integral part of the March ESST, contact Emergency Management at 951-655-3024.

ARE YOU A FOODIE?

The Beacon is looking for individuals who would be interested in writing a “foodie” column (food review) on a once-a-month or less basis, and as a volunteer. The goal is to have the individuals select an item from the new Back Street Grill menu and write a review about it. The menu items would be rotated so each one gets its moment in the spotlight. The more volunteers we have, the better! If you are interested in contributing, please email the Beacon editor at 452amw.paworkflow@us.af.mil or call 951-655-2862.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

If you’re interested in volunteering at any of the schools listed below, please contact Megan Crusher at megan.crusher.1@us.af.mil. All Team March members are welcome to volunteer. Basic details are below and additional information will be given closer to the date of the event.

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Wednesday, February 10

Start time: 7:45 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: El Cerrito Middle School

Address: 7610 El Cerrito Road; Corona, CA 92881

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education.

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Thursday, February 18

Start time: 8:15 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Corona Fundamental Intermediate School (CFIS)

Address: 1230 South Main Street; Corona, CA 92882

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education.

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Friday, February 26

Start time: 7:45 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Norco Intermediate School

Address: 2711 Temescal Avenue; Norco, CA 92860

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education.

EDUCATION & TRAINING OFFICE TO PROVIDE MASS BRIEFINGS

Beginning in December, during the Unit Training Assemblies, the March Education and Training office will conduct ongoing, mass briefings for any Tuition Assistance, GI Bill and Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) inquiries. Their schedule is as follows:

CCAF briefing:

UTA Sundays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

Tuition Assistance briefing:

UTA Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

GI Bill briefing:

UTA Sundays from 2 to 22:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

In-processing (technical school):

Monday – Friday from 2 – 3 p.m. in Bldg. 441, main office

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Brown at 951-655-4442.

SARC HOSTS FREE MIND BODY RESILIENCY CLASSES

Are you interested in learning more about the Mind and Body connection and how this can promote better overall health? Then come join the interactive and informational series of one-hour classes based on the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine’s Resilient Warrior. Classes are scheduled on the A and B Unit Training Assemblies through September 2016. Topics for the six-part series include

– Stress Reactions and Relaxation Response

– Getting Good Sleep

– Mindfulness and a Positive State of Mind

– Yin and Yang of Resiliency

– Yoga & Journaling

– Social Connections & Communication

Time and Location:

UTA Sundays, 11 a.m. – noon

Bldg. 470, room 205

Contact frank.pavone@us.af.mil or 655-4551 for more information. No reservation required.

REGISTER FOR YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS

Upcoming dates for Yellow Ribbon events are Feb 19-21; and Mar 18-20. The December, January and February Yellow Ribbon events are now open for registration for eligible members. For more formation, contact 1st Lt. Shelley Lawrence, your 452nd Air Mobility Wing Yellow Ribbon representative, for details at 951-655-4615.

GRILL NIGHT AT SALLY’S ALLEY

Every Wednesday night starting at 4 p.m., Sally’s Alley is open for business with Grill Night. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.

FITNESS CENTER NEWS

The March Fitness Center has received the Wellbeats Virtual Group Fitness Kiosk. This kiosk allows members to participate in virtual fitness classes.

Daily WellBeats Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 10:30 a.m. – REV (spin); 12:15 p.m. – Yoga (closed Jan. 18)

Tuesdays: 12:15 p.m. – Fit for Duty; 4:00 p.m. – REV

Wednesdays: 6 a.m. – Yoga/Pilates; 11 a.m. – V.I.B.E./Toning; 12:15 p.m. – REV

Thursdays: 11 a.m. – REV; 12:45 p.m. – Fit for Duty

Fridays: 11 a.m. – Core (Jan. 15/29); 11:15 a.m. Pilates (Jan 8/22)

Wellbeats offers many more classes available at the members’ request.

FIP (Fitness Improvement classes) available through our Wellbeats Kiosk.

Additional opportunities for fitness:

Tuesday, 11 a.m. and Thursday, 12:15 p.m. – Battle ropes training

Monday, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – TRX

A & B UTA Saturdays, 7 a.m. – Wellbeats Fit for Duty

A & B UTA Sundays, 7 a.m. – Wellbeats REV

A UTA Saturdays, 5 p.m. – Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty”

B UTA, 5 – 7 p.m. – Pick-up basketball

Jan 29, 5 p.m. – 3×3 Basketball Tournament

Feb 10 – Intramural Volleyball begins. Letter of Intent due in Fitness Center NLT Jan. 21

Feb 11 – 12 p.m. – Functional Fitness class

Feb 25 – 12 p.m. – Functional Fitness class

Coming in 2016: Inter-Services Golf Tournament, Team Cohesion Challenge, Armed Forces 5K Run.

Call the Fitness & Sports center at 951-655-2292 to sign up or for more information on these programs.

Class descriptions:

Circuit Training – a high intensity interval training class that integrated cardio and muscular endurance exercises

Core – various classes from our WellBeats system that focus entirely on working out your core

Fit for Duty – a high-energy, extreme, conditioning workout led by service members with expertise in fitness training

Functional Fitness – A type of high-intensity interval training combining cardio and weight training into one short but intense class with mobility drills, mountain climbers, lunges, push-up, kettlebells, goblet squats duck walk, run.